According to information published by the Twitter account of Naval Air Systems Command on April 23, 2021, the first India production aircraft took flight in Owego, New York. Indian Navy will receive a total of 24 aircraft.
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MH-60 Romeo helicopters (Picture source: Naval Air Systems Command)
The MH-60 Romeo helicopters are meant to meet the Navy's immediate requirement for anti-submarine operations amid China’s increasing forays into the waters around India.
The aircraft is part of the 24 ordered by the Narendra Modi government last year from the US under a nearly USD 2.4 crore deal.
The MH-60R is an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Anti-Surface and Warfare (ASuW) multi-mission helicopter in service with the U.S. Navy since 2006. For anti-surface warfare missions, the helicopter can be equipped with a range of weapons on the four weapons stations, including Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire anti-surface missiles.
For anti-submarine warfare, the MH-60R can carry up to three ATK mk50 or mk46 active/passive lightweight torpedoes. A pintle-mounted 7.62mm machine gun can be fitted for self-defense.
